Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus is disclosed including a base structure having a central support member with a first end and a second end to which a vertically oriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes a cable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a user to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user moves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit the resistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of the resistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above the shoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user support structure having an upwardly extending support post. The support post includes a first end secured to the central support member and a second end. The support post further includes a rearward side facing away from the weight stack upon which is mounted a user support pad shaped and dimensioned for supporting a user&#39;s back as the user stands facing away from the resistance during an exercise routine. A family of exercise apparatuses is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of the United States patentapplication entitled “Standing Abdominal Exercise Apparatus,” Ser. No.09/437,317, filed on Nov. 10, 1999, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference, and which is a continuation in part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/379,307, filed Aug. 23, 1999, entitled“Exercise Apparatus,” which is also incorporated herein in its entiretyby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to an exercise apparatuses. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an abdominal exercise apparatus.The abdominal exercise apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention is built upon a base structure substantially identical to thatdisclosed in the parent application referenced above.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] As with most major muscle groups, a wide variety of exerciseapparatuses have been developed to specifically exercise the abdominalmuscles of a user. The apparatuses generally require that the exerciseradjust a rather cumbersome user support and/or user interface member,sit upon the user support, secure any belts associated with the usersupport and engage the user interface member, before proceeding with adesired exercise routine.

[0006] A continuing need, therefore, exists for improved abdominalexercise apparatuses. Such apparatuses should be designed to make theexercise process simpler, safer and more accessible to a wide range ofexercisers. The present invention provides such an abdominal exerciseapparatus.

[0007] In addition, and as discussed in the parent applicationreferenced above, a need exists for a full line of exercise apparatusbuilt from the same base structure so as to improve the design andfabrication process, resulting in better more affordable exerciseequipment. The present abdominal exercise apparatus adds to the familyof exercise apparatuses disclosed and discussed in the parentapplication referenced above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to providean exercise apparatus including a base structure having a centralsupport member with a first end and a second end to which a verticallyoriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes acable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a userto the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the usermoves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit theresistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of theresistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above theshoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user supportstructure having an upwardly extending support post. The support postincludes a first end secured to the central support member and a secondend. The support post further includes a rearward side facing away fromthe weight stack upon which is mounted a user support pad shaped anddimensioned for supporting a user's back as the user stands facing awayfrom the resistance during an exercise routine.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the resistance assembly is a verticallyoriented weight stack including a plurality of weight plates coupled tothe cable for applying resistance as a user moves through an exerciseroutine.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein a first pivotally mounted pulley guides thefirst strand as it exits the resistance assembly and a second pivotallymounted pulley guides the second strand as it exits the weight stack.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the resistance assembly includes a housinghaving a front face, a rear face, a left side and a right side, and thefirst and second strands respectively exit the resistance assembly fromthe left and right sides of the resistance assembly before beingdirected to a user facing away from the rear face of the resistanceassembly.

[0012] It is also an object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the user support pad includes a verticallyadjustable lumber support pad.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the support post includes a central sectionwhich is angled toward the resistance assembly.

[0014] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the central section of the support post isoriented at an angle of approximately 10°.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide anexercise apparatus wherein the second end of the support post is securedto the resistance assembly.

[0016] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a familyof exercise apparatuses designed to target a variety of muscle groups.The family includes a variety of distinct exercise apparatuses utilizinga substantially identical base structure. The base structure comprises acentral support member having a first end to which a user supportstructure is secured and a second end to which a weight stack issecured. The weight stack is actuated by a cable secured thereto formovement by an individual using a distinct exercise apparatus. Eachdistinct exercise apparatus further includes first and second lateralsupport sleeves secured to the base structure for directing oppositestrands of the cable to a predetermined position for engagement by auser, wherein at least one distinct exercise apparatus includes firstand second support sleeves positioned adjacent an upper end of theweight stack for exercising the abdominal muscles of an individual.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present exercise apparatus;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of the present exerciseapparatus showing the internal structure of the weight stack;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a side view of the present exercise apparatus; and

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pivoting pulley.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1 to -, an abdominal exercise apparatus10 is disclosed. As discussed above in the “Field of the Invention”, thepresent abdominal exercise apparatus includes a base structure 12substantially identical to the one disclosed in commonly owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. _____, which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0024] With this in mind, the abdominal exercise apparatus 10 includes abase structure 12 having a central support member 14 with a first end 16to which a user support structure 18 is secured and a second end 20 towhich a weight stack 22 is secured. A single cable 24 actuates theweight stack 22. The single cable 24 is secured to the weight stack 22for movement by an individual using the abdominal exercise apparatus 10.The abdominal exercise apparatus 10 further includes first and secondsupport sleeves 26, 28 selectively secured to the base structure 12 fordirecting first and second strands 30, 32 (i.e., opposite strands) ofthe cable 24 to a predetermined position for engagement by a user.

[0025] The central support member 14 is preferably a tubular member witha rectangular cross section. As with all of the structural componentsused in the manufacture of the abdominal exercise apparatus 10, as wellas the structural components used in the manufacture of the family ofexercise apparatuses, the central support member 14 is formed fromsteel, although those skilled in the art will appreciate the othermaterials which may be used in the construction of the disclosedexercise apparatuses without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0026] The weight stack 22 secured to the second end 20 of the centralsupport member 14 is a conventional, vertically oriented weight stack.The weight stack 22 includes vertical support members 34 aligned tosupport a stack of weight plates 36 to be moved via a pulley systemwhich will be discussed below in greater detail. The weight stack 24 iscovered by a protective sleeve 38 positioned about the weight stack 22.The weight stack 22 is vertically oriented.and includes a front face 40,a rear. face 42, a left side 44 and a right side 46.

[0027] As will be discussed below in substantially greater detail, theweight stack 22 is actuated by a single cable 24 which controls themovement of the weight plates 36. The central portion 48 of the cable 24is passed through a first pulley 50. A coupling member 52 directlycouples the stack of weight plates 36 to the first pulley 50 in aconventional manner. Opposite strands 30, 32 of the cable 24 thenrespectively extend over first and second upper pulleys 54, 56 beforeexiting the weight stack 22 from the left and right sides 44, 46 thereofbefore being directed for engagement by the user.

[0028] The respective ends 58, 60 of the first and second strands 30, 32are each provided with stop members 62. As those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate, the stop members 62 control motion of the singlecable 24 to allow exercise by pulling the first strand 30 alone, thesecond strand 32 alone, or both strands at the same time.

[0029] First and second lateral support members 64, 66 are also securedto the second end 20 of the central support member 14. The lateralsupport members 64, 66 extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis ofthe central support member 14 and away from the first end 16 of thecentral support member 14. The combination of the cental support member14, the first lateral support 64 and the second lateral support 66create a tripod foundation structure. This foundation structure supportsthe remaining components of the abdominal exercise apparatus 10, as wellas users of the present exercise apparatus.

[0030] With the versatile base structure 12 disclosed above, the presentabdominal exercise apparatus 10, as well as the various exerciseapparatuses discussed in the parent application, are created byselectively mounting desired support sleeves at various locations alongthe base structure. The various exercise apparatuses are created from asingle base structure by orienting support sleeves for access alonggeneral motion lines.

[0031] The provision of a base structure 12 which may be readily used inthe manufacture of distinct exercise apparatuses facilitates a novelmethod for the manufacture of exercise apparatuses. Specifically, afamily of exercise apparatuses designed to target a variety of musclegroups is manufactured by first creating a base structure dimensionedfor use in the development of a variety of distinct exercise apparatusesdesigned to target different muscle groups. For example, the basestructure is used in the construction of exercise apparatuses including,but not limited to, those focusing on the chest, abdominals, biceps,triceps, lats and shoulders. The base structure includes a centralsupport member having a first end to which a user support structure issecured and a second end to which a weight stack is secured, wherein theweight stack is actuated by a single cable secured thereto for movementby an individual using a distinct exercise apparatus. First and secondlateral support sleeves are then secured to the base structure atdistinct positions. The first and second support sleeves direct oppositestrands of the cable to predetermined positions for engagement by a userto perform various exercises targeting different muscle groups.

[0032] The user support structure 18 of the present abdominal exerciseapparatus 10 includes an upwardly extending support post 68. The supportpost 68 includes a first end 70, a second end 72, and a central section74 oriented for supporting an individual facing away from the weightstack 10 in a manner discussed below in greater detail. The first end 70of the support post 68 is secured to the first end 16 of the centralsupport member 14 and the second end 72 of the upwardly extendingsupport post 68 is secured to the upper end 76 of the weight stack 22.The central section 74 of the support post 68 is angled toward theweight stack 22 at an angle of approximately 10°. While the disclosedangular orientation of the central section 74 of the support post 68 isconsidered to promote user comfort, the support post 68 may be orientedat various other angles without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0033] A support pad 78 is attached to the rearwardly facing side 80 ofthe upwardly extending support post 68 at the central section 74 thereofto provide added user comfort. As such, and as will be discussed ingreater detail below, the user places his or her back upon the supportpad 78 while he or she faces rearwardly to perform abdominal exercises.

[0034] Added user comfort is provided by the inclusion of an adjustablelumbar support member 82 which is secured about the support pad 78 toprovide the user with proper back support as he or she works through anexercise routine. The lumbar support member 82 includes an arched padwith a first and second attachment bands 84 extending from opposite endsthereof. The attachment bands 84 are substantially rigid members shapedand dimensioned to wrap around the upwardly extending support post 68and support the lumbar support member 82 on the support pad 78. However,the attachment bands 84, 86 are wrapped about the upwardly extendingsupport post 68 such that the lumbar support member 82 may beselectively moved up and down the support pad 78 to suit users ofdifferent sizes.

[0035] As briefly discussed, the strands 30, 32 of the cable exit thefirst and second upper pulleys 54, 56 and move directly for use byexerciser. Specifically, the strands 30, 32 move through first andsecond support sleeves 26, 28 secured at the upper end 62 of the weightstack 22 before engaging the pivoting pulleys 88, 90. The first andsecond support sleeves 26, 28 extend outwardly from the upper end 62 ofthe weight stack 22 such that the distal end 92, 94 of each of the firstand second support sleeves 26, 28 terminates at a position approximatelyaligning the strands 30, 32 with the shoulders of an individualutilizing the present abdominal exercise apparatus 10. Given that thesupport sleeves 26, 28 are secured adjacent the upper end 76 of theweight stack 22, the distal end 92, 94 of each of the first and secondsupport sleeves 26, 28 will be slightly above the shoulders, andprobably heads of an individual utilizing the present exerciseapparatus.

[0036] Specifically, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the first and second support sleeves 26, 28extend outwardly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the weightstack 22 and within the horizontal plane in which the weight stack 22sits. The first and second support sleeves extend outwardly at adistance. The center of the pulley is 5 inches from the vertical tower.

[0037] First and second pivoting pulleys 96, 98 are respectively coupledto the distal ends 92, 94 of the first and second support sleeves 26,28. In this way, the strands 30, 32 of the cable 24 respectively exitthe first and second support sleeves 26, 28, pass over the pivotingpulleys 96, 98 and are ready for engagement by the user. The distal ends58, 60 of each strand of the cable 24 may be fitted with a wide varietyof grips 100 known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] A pivoting pulley 96 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. Eachpivoting pulley 96 includes a frame 102 with a central pivot 104 forrotatably supporting a pulley member 106. The frame 102 is formed so asto cover the pulley member 106 and thereby prevent undesired access withthe pulley member 106 as the cable 24 passes thereover. The frame 102 isfurther provided with a counterweight 108 opposite the pulley member106.

[0039] The frame 102 further includes a cylindrical coupling member 110shaped and dimensioned for pivotal attachment to the distal end 92, 94of a support sleeve 26, 28. The cylindrical coupling member 110 providesan opening through which the cable 24 passes as it extends from thesupport sleeve 26, 28 toward the pulley member 106. In this way, thecable 24 passes along the axis about which the pivoting pulley 96 pivotsrelative to the support sleeve 26, 28 to provide greater freedom ofmotion as an individual attempts to draw the cable in various directionsduring exercise.

[0040] Since the pivoting pulley 96 permits a great degree offlexibility with regard to the angle at which the cable 24 is drawn fromthe support sleeve 26, 28, the inclusion of the present pivoting pulleys96 at the distal end 92, 94 of each support sleeve 26, 28 greatlyincreases the flexibility of the present exercise apparatus 10.

[0041] In use, an individual leans against the user support 18 with hisor her back facing the weight stack 22. The individual then grips thehandles 100 at the distal ends 58, 60 of the respective strands 30, 32of the cable 24, and pulls the handles 100 away from the weight stack 22by rotating his or her upper body at the hips to generate resistancefrom the weight stack 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flexibilityprovided by the pivoting pulleys permits the individual to move in awide variety of paths to equally exercise a wide variety of abdominalmuscles.

[0042] While it is disclosed above that the present abdominal exerciseapparatus is designed to be used with the user leaning against the usersupport and facing away from the weight stack, the versatility providedby the design of the exercise apparatus provides users with virtuallyunlimited possibilities with regard to the range of exercise motionsthat may be accommodated by the present exercise apparatus.

[0043] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention bysuch disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A family of single-use exercise apparatusesdesigned to target a variety of muscle groups, comprising: a variety ofdistinct exercise apparatuses utilizing a substantially identical basestructure, the base structure comprising: a central support memberhaving a first end to which a user support structure is secured and asecond end to which a weight stack is secured, wherein the weight stackis actuated by a cable secured thereto for movement by an individualusing a distinct exercise apparatus; each distinct exercise apparatusfurther including first and second fixed lateral support sleeves securedto the base structure for directing opposite strands of the cable to apredetermined position for engagement by a user.
 2. The family ofexercise apparatuses according to claim 1, wherein the central supportmember is a tubular member through which the cable passes to facilitatethe adaptation of the base structure for targeting various body parts.3. The family of exercise apparatuses according to claim 1, wherein theweight stack includes vertical support members aligning and supporting astack of weight plates to be moved via a pulley system.
 4. The family ofexercise apparatuses according to claim 1, wherein the weight stack isactuated via a single cable.
 5. The family of exercise apparatusesaccording to claim 4, wherein a central portion of the cable is passedthrough a first pulley directly coupled to the stack of weight platesand opposite strands of the cable then respectively extend over firstand second upper pulleys before passing over first and second lowerpulleys.
 6. The family of exercise apparatuses according to claim 1,wherein at least one distinct exercise apparatus includes the first andsecond support sleeves directly secured to the user support structure.7. The family of exercise apparatuses according to claim 6, wherein theat least one distinct exercise apparatus includes first and secondsupport sleeves positioned for exercising the chest of an individual. 8.An exercise apparatus, comprising: a base structure including a centralsupport member having a first end to which a user support structure issecured and a second end to which a weight stack is secured, wherein theweight stack is actuated by a cable secured thereto for movement by anindividual using the exercise apparatus; first and second lateralsupport sleeves selectively secured to the base structure for directingopposite strands of the cable to a predetermined position for engagementby a user; the central support member defining a passageway throughwhich the cable passes before passing through the respective first andsecond lateral support sleeves to facilitate positioning of the oppositestrands for engagement by a user.
 9. The exercise apparatus according toclaim 8, the weight stack includes vertical support members aligning andsupporting a stack of weight plates to be moved via a pulley system. 10.The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the weight stack isactuated via a single cable.
 11. The exercise apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein a central portion of the cable is passed through afirst pulley directly coupled to the stack of weight plates and oppositestrands of the cable then respectively extend over first and secondupper pulleys before passing over first and second lower pulleys. 12.The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, the first and secondsupport sleeves are directly secured to the user support structure. 13.The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first andsecond support sleeves are positioned for exercising the chest of anindividual.
 14. A method for manufacturing a family of single-useexercise apparatuses designed to target a variety of muscle groups,comprising the following steps: creating a base structure dimensionedfor use in the development of a variety of distinct exercise apparatusesdesigned to target different muscle groups, the base structure includinga central support member having a first end to which a user supportstructure is secured and a second end to which a weight stack issecured, wherein the weight stack is actuated by a cable secured theretofor movement by an individual using a distinct exercise apparatus;selectively securing first and second lateral fixed support sleeves tothe base structure at distinct positions for directing opposite strandsof the cable to predetermined positions for engagement by a user toperform various exercises targeting different muscle groups.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein the central support member is atubular member through which the cable passes to facilitate theadaptation of the base structure for targeting various body parts. 16.The method according to claim 14, wherein the first and second supportsleeves are directly secured to the user support structure to create atleast one distinct exercise apparatus.
 17. The method according to claim16, wherein the first and second support sleeves are positioned forexercising the chest of an individual.
 18. The method according to claim17, wherein the weight stack is actuated via a single cable.
 19. Themethod according to claim 18, wherein a central portion of the cable ispassed through a first pulley directly coupled to the stack of weightplates and opposite strands of the cable then respectively extend overfirst and second upper pulleys before passing over first and secondlower pulleys.